Monday, May 25, 2009

One year ago this week I was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer. It is the crash landings in life that bring us to the realization that we may need to choose a different course. Reflections of my journey reveal a deeper awareness of who I am and all that I am capable of achieving.

Having now faced the possibility of death intensifies and gives power to the second half of my life. One of the many gifts I received from cancer was the strength to overcome fear. To reevaluate what is important in my life so that when death knocks at my door again, I will move through the tunnel of light with no regrets. Once you fully appreciate that every experience in the material world is finite, you realize how amazing life is. We take for granted things we have no idea are so fleeting. When age forces us to see how much is now gone, we are shaken to realize all the things that are over and will not come again. But then something happens … we come into our own and realize life can be whatever we want it to be. This freedom has allowed me to slow down and give sanction to embracing my dreams. From that has come mental and physical healing.

The lessons to be learned in life have to do with the fragility of the human heart and the graciousness of the human spirit; the suffering involved in simply being human and the struggles to survive the experience; the joy and laughter when our families and friends are well; and the tears and sadness when love and lives are over.

Today, I am challenged by the universe to match my talents with compassion, my intelligence with humility and my intellect with wisdom. The grace period of my youth is over. I am standing at the front of the line, ready to embrace midlife and the wisdom that emanates from it.

At this point, my greatest potential failure isn’t that I won’t move on with my life, it’s that I won’t use the totality of my imagination to empower me to live the most creative and fulfilling life possible.

With this thought my soul continues to expand as I embrace new adventures, love deeper than I thought possible, connect more intently, simplify and surrender the things that no longer matter.

As I move into "Phase 2" of my life, I do so with a happy heart and the confidence that comes from knowing the best part of my journey is yet to come.

About Me

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest left me with fond memories of my childhood in what the locals call the Emerald City. In 1976, a vacation to Southern California changed my life forever. The lure of sun and sand for a 20 year-old girl who had heretofore spent a lifetime under pewter skies – was forever changed. Since then, my work continues to divide my time between Southern California and Washington. I am pulled between the incredible beauty of Seattle, the warmth of Southern California and lifetime friendships in both locals. Just when life was going well, I was handed a Colon Cancer diagnosis in 2008. Battling "The Dragon" tested my life perspective and uncovered an inner strength to fight the dark days and heal. After receiving a second chance, everything in life took on a new perspective. To honor life, this blog explores the many gifts and insights we encounter along our way.